Fluoroquinolone / Cipro toxicity or Propecia Withdrawal?

Member Stories
#1

Hi - 30 YO male. Stopped propecia in January of 2012 cold turkey. Was oblivious to any adverse effects and really regret coming off it as I experienced no side effects the 10+ years I used it.

Several weeks after stopping, I began to have a constant urge to urinate and wAs put on 10 days of cipro without a culture. Again, was told cipro was safe and did no outside research. I asked the uro if propecia could be the cause and he said no and that he would avoid it ever again. Other symptoms were watery ejaculate, swollen and sweaty groin and caffeine intolerance.

The 10 days did nothing for me and was put on another 14 days. Towards the end of the 14 days I began experiencing panic attacks when sleeping and general muscle stiffness. I came off the cipro and over the next few weeks, my eyes became red and dry, I experienced floaters for the first time, feet would tingle when walking and i experienced photophobia. Over the next few months, muscle fasciculations increased and tinnitus kicked in. Over the past 8-9 mos, symptoms have remained steady. After 3-4 months the symptoms of prostatitis diminished only to come back recently.

I’m sure I’m forgetting some details, but wonder if anyone else as had a similar experience. All MDs say its not the quinolones.

#2

Current symptoms (all started after Propecia discontinuation and Cipro for 24 days for prostatitis)

Prostate- ( mostly resolved )
Frequent urination
Watery semen
Swollen and sweaty groin

Other- ( no improvement )
Tinnitus
Huge dark eye floaters
Dry eye
Afterimages
Anxiety
Fasciculations
Tingling

30 year old, stopped cold turkey Jan 2012, on Propecia for 10 years

Prostate symptoms began around 4-6 weeks after discontinuation (feb/march 2012). Was on an extended course of cipro for the symptoms. Uro said it wasn’t from Propecia but that he would never take it and I should not again.

Shortly after the cipro (towards the end of the course), I began to feel stiff and had some tingling in extremities. Also began having panic attacks while sleeping - felt almost like sleep apnea where I would stop breathing. I then experienced major eye floaters and severe dry eye. Fasciculations started shortly after the eye issues. Other issues that arose are severe afterimages and dark spots when moving my eyes and looking at a blank surface.

Have been to urologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, optometrists (sudden contact lens intolerance) and infectious disease MDs. All tests have been negative. Did originally have some electrolyte imbalances.

Just wondering if this is similar to anyone else’s experience as the past year as been sheer hell and I’m not sure ill ever be back to normal again.

Any input is greatly appreciated. I’ve debated going back on Fin which seems ridiculous at this point.

Thanks to all.

#3

I suffer from Frequent urination but it has got a bit better. I use to have to urinate every 5 minutes its now about every 15 to 30 minutes and their is less of it.

Tvtipp can I ask you if you suffer from extreme thirst ?

I believe its possible we may have Diabetes insipidus

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_insipidus

As for cipro I would stay well away from it, some people have been destroyed by that drug.

youtube.com/watch?v=XmnWaS3SW2k

#4

Thanks - thirst isn’t too bad. Interesting theory though.

#5

Does it sound like some of the non-sexual side effects could be propecia withdrawal related?

#6

Your uro’s statements seem a bit odd, no? It wasn’t propecia but he would never take the drug? If it wasnt propecia what’s he worried about?

Everything you’re reporting has been reported here previously, so it’s likely not the antibiotics.

Going back on fin can make things much worse. Bluecloud87 experimented with it and didn’t work out well.

Research some of the healthy lifestyle options of users on this site for starters.

#7

“Yeah its not the propecia… but don’t take it again.”

Docs…